A place to call our own: perspectives on the geographical and social marginalisation of homeless people

Abstract

Purpose

Notwithstanding heightened awareness of the issues faced by homeless people, the notion that homelessness is the result of individual failings and weaknesses persists. The purpose of this paper is to challenge that perception by giving voice to this marginalised group and exploring the mechanisms through which they made and remade as homeless and may be protected.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews (n=23) were carried out with a sample of homeless people who had accessed a range of homelessness services in the study area.

Findings

It is argued that largely deprived of the private sphere, which arguably renders them in most need of public space, homeless people find themselves most subject to scrutiny, surveillance, social disapprobation and exclusion.

Research limitations/implications

The authors reiterate that rather than simply being associated with rooflessness, homelessness is as a function of ongoing geographical marginalisation and social alienation.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that dedicated spaces for homeless people to occupy during the day continue to be in need of development because, whilst not unproblematic, they can disrupt processes associated with homelessness.

Social implications

Further resources should be directed towards homelessness and the issues that arise during daytime for homeless people.

Originality/value

The paper supports the literature which highlights the spatial practices by which stigmatised groups come to be separated from mainstream society.

Citation

Hughes, C., Madoc-Jones, I., Parry, O. and Dubberley, S. (2017), "A place to call our own: perspectives on the geographical and social marginalisation of homeless people", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 105-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-09-2016-0022